I believe its time for a ban on electric shock collars for dogs. These torturous devices are capable of sending up to 6000 Volts to a dog’s neck and can shock a dog for up to 11 seconds at one time. These collars have already been banned in Scotland and Wales, showing the ability of devolved governments to lead on animal welfare issues, it’s time for England to follow suit.

Dogs Trust have been campaigning for a ban to be introduced across England, and I am endorsing their calls for change. I have signed Dogs Trust’s letter to Secretary of State Michael Gove calling for a ban, and I was pleased to see a number of MPs from across the parties have done the same.

Shock collars are not only painful for a dog, they can have a serious negative impact on their mental and physical well-being. Dogs do not understand why they are being shocked and this can be extremely stressful, and in many cases will exacerbate bad behaviour.

Rachel Casey Dogs Trust’s Director of Canine Behaviour and Research explains that “positive based methods, such as using rewards like food, are the most effective and kindest way to train your dog, so there is absolutely no need for owners to even consider the use of these devices. We urge everyone who loves dogs to consider the impact that using these kinds of devices can have on our four-legged friends, and join with us in asking your MP for an immediate ban on their sale and their use.”

There is no proper justification for the continued use of shock collars, which are both ineffective and cruel. It is time for a ban and I hope the government will not just listen to concerns from across the parties, but act on them.